(IPL Credit)
Ashish Nehra weighed in on the BCCI’s recent decision not to appoint Hardik Pandya as captain for the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka, expressing his lack of surprise. Pandya had previously led the Indian team in the absence of Rohit Sharma, notably serving as vice-captain during India’s victorious T20 World Cup campaign in 2024. With Rohit’s retirement from T20Is post-World Cup, Pandya was seen as a natural successor.
However, the newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar opted to endorse Suryakumar Yadav for the captaincy role. Addressing reporters before the team’s departure, Agarkar clarified that concerns surrounding Pandya’s readiness influenced the decision to explore other leadership options for the T20I format.
Speaking to Sports Tak, Ashish Nehra highlighted the commonplace nature of changes in cricket dynamics, particularly under new coaching and management regimes. Nehra emphasized the challenges faced by the team management in fully supporting Hardik Pandya, who primarily focuses on just one format of the game.
“It’s not surprising that when it comes to cricket, these things happen. It’s a bit surprising that Hardik Pandya, as you said, he was the vice-captain in the World Cup. But at the same time, a new coach has come. A new thought has come. So every coach and each captain has a different thought. So at this time, their thought is on that side,” Nehra said on Sports Tak.
“Ajit Agarkar, Gautam Gambhir said a couple of days ago, if I am not mistaken talked about the fitness. He is not playing all formats, I mean, he is playing only one format, he even doesn’t play the 50-over format that much. So it is difficult for Hardik Pandya or any coach or captain. I will just say that the thoughts are different,” he added.
Hardik Pandya’s last appearance for India in an ODI was during the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he unfortunately had to withdraw due to an ankle injury. This injury has also ruled him out of contention for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, scheduled to commence on August 2nd.
According to Ashish Nehra, Hardik Pandya plays a crucial role in balancing the team dynamics as the fourth fast bowler, making him an indispensable asset for Indian cricket.
“Hardik Pandya is a very important player for Indian cricket. Whether he plays twice or not, he is the fourth fast bowler. He brings a different balance because there is no impact player rule. Hardik Pandya is not the only one. He is the one who plays more matches and cricket,” Nehra added.
Ashish Nehra collaborated with Hardik Pandya for two years as a coach, during which they steered the Gujarat Titans (GT) to their maiden IPL title in 2022. The Ahmedabad-based franchise also made it to the final the following season but fell short against the Chennai Super Kings. Pandya subsequently reunited with the Mumbai Indians (MI) for the IPL 2024 campaign.
